William E. Wynne Sr. 1925-2017

Above, my father’s official USN photo circa 1975. He was from a generation of men who’s love of country and family were strong enough to never need the acknowledgement of others, far less praise nor reward.They were motivated solely by belief and love.

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Do not feel sorrow for my father, for he had a long life, conducted with complete fidelity to the ideals of this country and his family. Since swearing in to the U.S. Navy on 3 July 1943, he never faltered from his Moral Purpose, to play a role in securing a Free World, and live in this world with his family.

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Do not feel sorrow for my family, For my Mother had the unwavering love and support of a husband of 67 years. My father was sterling example of fatherhood, a gift I appreciated more with each year. The children in our family have always understood our unspeakably good fortune to have been born to our parents, a blessing beyond the possibility of overstatement.

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If there is anything to be somber over let it be this: Decency, courage and sacrifice to a greater purpose than self, the values of the generation of men who provided the world we live in, have tragically fallen from the common currency of men, to something considered rare and perhaps antiquated. My father and men of his times understood an example of an honorable and decent life, bequeathed far greater riches than lives that worshiped lesser purposes. Shipmates of my father, even ones who gave their lives very young, had lives of meaning because they considered it their privilegeto have served a cause greater than self.

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-wewjr.

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About William WynneI have been continuously building, testing and flying Corvair engines since 1989. Information, parts and components that we developed and tested are now flying on several hundred Corvair powered aircraft. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and an A&P license from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and have a proven 20 year track record of effectively teaching homebuilders how to create and fly their own Corvair powered planes. Much of this is chronicled at www.FlyCorvair.com and in more than 50 magazine articles.

William:
I thank God for your father’s life and the undoubted positive effect he had on the many lives he touched. May the Lord grant you, your family, and his friends the Peace that passes all understanding during this time.
Robin Oldfield

What a blessing your dad was to you, obviously. He will be missed by all of us in the Corvair community as he was a big factor in how you tick! Prayers coming from your protege in Temple, Texas to you and your family.

William, You are a blessed man for having such a great role model as your father, and even more fortunate to have recognized the value and importance of the lessons he taught you throughout life. Those lessons do not stop with his passing and you will continue to learn, recognize and remember more through life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time, as you celebrate the wonderful man that he is.

William, may peace find you and your family at this time. You have shared your memories openly with us so that we could know who your father was and what it means to be steadfast in belief and character. Thank you for this.

One of my regrets in life is not having had the privilege of meeting your father. Yet I feel that I know him through your thoughtful writings. He is, in my book, a true American hero. We are losing more and more people like your dad every day. And we as a people and a nation are the lesser for it.

Thank you sharing the stories of your father and your family through the years. They have been a source of inspiration and appreciation for what his generation accomplished. As for the loss of many of those attributes in current times, I am reminded of what Ben Franklin said at the end of the Constitutional Convention when a woman asked him what kind of government the people had been given: “A republic, madam, if you can keep it.”…..

I just got back from visiting my father on his 90th birthday. From what you have shared, I suspect that I was raised by parents that were from similar stock. I know what it is to have this much respect for his generation. My condolences.

William I am sorry for your loss. You are indeed fortunate to have had a father such as yours; and I’ll hazard a guess that nothing has been left unsaid between you. I am in the same club, however I continue to experience the pleasure of having my father (at 88) regularly visit my shop (as I build airplanes) and often meet me for lunch or dinner. I know the day will come when I no longer will have my father in my life and when the time does come I will be left with the same conclusions that you have arrived at.

William,
In some sort of way many of us felt as if we knew your father because of all the stories you have shared about his service over the years. He was truly a rare gift given to our country. You have all the right to be proud of him as I know that you are. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Condolences and blessings to you and yours. My Grandfather was a Navy pilot who served in similar places and duties as your Father. I sometimes wonder if they ever crossed paths. In any case, I can identify and appreciate his service to family and country. Thank you for sharing about him.

Dearest William,
I am sorry for the loss of your father. It saddens me to know that he won’t be a phone call or plane ride away from you, but I know that his spirit is with all of you. You were lucky to be blessed with such a wonderful father. I lost my father in 2013 and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him… I understand. Sending you a hug and my love. My condolences to your family.

I am thankful to live in a country where great men have gone before, to ensure that future generations could live a life free of tyranny, and with the promise of freedom, without regard for repayment of their sacrifices, for we could never hope to repay them. Thank you for sharing your father with us, he truly was a man who lived a ‘strenuous’ life and was In The Arena. We are all the better for it. May he rest in peace.

Very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Thank you for sharing the stories of his service and his character. I know your are very proud of him. Know that his character continues to shine through you. May your entire family find peace in this difficult time.
RDTaylor

William and Grace, Their are many here on flycorvair who’s parents are of that age where their journeys is more winter than fall. You are not alone, we know what you have and are going through. Thank you for sharing your Dad’s life with us, he made a difference standing in the breach for Liberty. Our hearts are with you, our Condolences, The Liberatore Family.

Condolences on the loss of your father, William. As many others have stated, he will live on in the memories of family and those he touched during his full and meaningful life. He made a difference.

This article is a fitting tribute to a great man – thank you for sharing. You are a testament to his values, convictions and positive parenting. I have found it refreshing to read of his life experiences and how it has made you the man you are.

William and Grace, The “Old Guard” moves with precision as the clip of hooves and the clicking of heels swells the heart with pride. The men and women who endured day by day doing their jobs are at rest. Please take the time to visit the War Memorials. The Korean War Memorial needs to be seen at sunup showing the endurance of men fighting for their country. Some days are harder than others. Let the day bring your family happiness knowing your father served a grateful nation. 1969 – 1972 Craig Owen USAF 30650

It is a wonderful thing to see a man’s life so honored by his son. This world was clearly enriched by his presence, is now lessened by his departure, and yet will remain strengthened by his legacy. My condolences to you and your family, and my sincere thanks for your father’s life of decency and sacrifice.

Condolences to all the family. You have honored your father by making many of us aware of his courage and sacrifice for our nation … and you will continue to honor him as we see how wonderfully he has passed on to you, his son, a very high standard for honesty and integrity.

Connie and I, like so many others, offer our condolences and prayers for your Mother, you, and your entire family. May His peace be with you as your family, and we, honor the memory of your great father. Non sibi sed patriae.

I have no words other than please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and Grace, your mother and the rest of your family. We all recognize his as a life lived well, with dignity, honor and purpose. Thank you for sharing him with us. We are better for knowing him through the eyes of his loving son.